Read More

But it is Coleman who the Swans are thought to be focusing on ahead of a key 48 hours of discussions they hope will end with a new man in place ready for the new year – leaving the FAW bracing themselves for a formal approach.

Swansea are staring at the very real prospect of relegation after the Boxing Day defeat to West Ham saw the side stay 19th in the Premier League table, four points from safety, with the manner of the performance and the obvious feeling against Bradley from supporters pressing the club into action. Bradley said on Wednesday he believed the club's owners had been swayed by the “negative atmosphere” that followed a string of poor results.

Regardless, it leaves Swansea with a decision over whether to hire a manager with a strictly short-term remit to save the club from the drop, or a more of a longer-term appointment that would fit in with the plans of rebuilding should they drop down to the Championship.

Gary Rowett, who won widespread acknowledgement for his work at Birmingham City before his shock sacking this month, is said to be under consideration as an example of the latter; Harry Redknapp , who would fit into the short-term role, declared an interest on Wednesday.

There have been links to Alan Pardew and Nigel Pearson, both seen as unlikely options, while Marcelino, the former Villareal manager targeted last time around by Swansea, was thought to be on a long-list of names.

Read More

Rowett could yet emerge as a genuine target depending on how the next 48 hours pan out but, as it stands, Coleman is believed to have enough backers at Swansea's top level that could see a club-versus-country clash over his services.

The 43-year-old would be seen as someone who would provide an instant galvanising effect at his hometown club, as well as having Premier League experience and the coaching, motivational and organisational experience to make a quick impact. Furthermore, his development of the national team under his tenure has illustrated his ability to implement longer-term visions.

Swansea would have to succeed where Hull City failed earlier this year as they tried to lure the former defender away from the national set-up.

Read More

But the Swans would be prepared to pay compensation for the one-time Vetch Field centre-back whose current contract runs to the end of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

And the FAW are likely to acknowledge they would struggle to stand in the way of Coleman should he wish to leave, with top brass said to have been relieved he was not targeted by recently managerless Crystal Palace, another of his former clubs.

Coleman has previously said he was keen to see out the remainder of the deal he signed just weeks before leading Gareth Bale and co. to the last four of Euro 2016, though has never ruled out a return to club management.

And it remains to be seen whether Coleman would be prepared to give up the Wales job, even if Swansea would be able to better his current salary.

But it cannot be ruled out that Swansea would be prepared to allow Coleman to take charge of key Wales fixtures in March and June, easing the burden on the FAW to look to his successor.

Giggs and Craig Bellamy have both been eyed up by Wales as future bosses.